Retractable Y-shaped foils, adjustable in three dimensions

Inspired by the appendages of the America's Cup foiling monohulls, these Y-shaped foils have a wingspan of over 5 metres. They are designed to generate powerful lift, increase power and offer a wide range of adjustments to optimise flight at every point of sail and in all conditions. Beyond their impressive size, these foils feature many unique innovations.

Revolutionary U-shaped rudders

These are probably the most visually striking innovations on the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild. To fly high above rough seas while maintaining control, the team wanted very long rudders that would remain in contact with the water. The challenge is that longer rudders tend to flex under load, severely affecting steering and the efficiency of their lifting surfaces. A new geometry was needed to give these appendages maximum stiffness, resist cavitation and ultimately improve control of the boat and make better use of its power. The result is a set of U-shaped rudders over 4 metres long, a metre longer than those on Gitana 17. Their shape, reminiscent of a tripod or an inverted π, is only the visible part of what makes them so distinctive.

A daggerboard optimised to stabilise the boat and limit cavitation

With its wide span, the daggerboard resembles an aircraft tail assembly, with two adjustable flaps: one on the vertical section and the other on the horizontal section, the distinctive “manta-ray wing”. On Gitana 18, the innovation is to position this wing behind the vertical part of the appendage, rather than directly beneath it, to minimise flow disturbance and cavitation.

Rig: adjustable spreaders to control mainsail power while sailing

Gitana 18’s mast is 1.50 metres taller than its predecessor’s. The boom is also shorter, creating a more slender sail plan. The major innovation is a set of spreaders that can be adjusted while sailing to bend the mast fore and aft. Actuated by hydraulic rams, these spreaders can pivot through 35 degrees to adjust the bend in the middle of the mast. This unprecedented system allows the sailor to control mainsail power: adding depth in light winds to take off sooner, or flattening the sail to reduce power at high speed or in strong winds. Adjusting the depth, and therefore the power, of the mainsail can also save a solo sailor time and energy by reducing the need for risky manoeuvres or headsail changes.

Central hull:
an integrated, structural coachroof

The naval architects and Gitana design team wanted an exceptionally stiff, structurally robust platform. This applies both to the floats, which must withstand heavy loads from the foils and rudders, and to the central hull, which is subject to torsion. The enclosed coachroof is integrated into the hull and contributes to its structural strength. Inside, the cockpit brings all sail-handling controls together, with ergonomics shaped by many hours of design and development. The coachroof also stands out for the number and size of its windows. This configuration meets the visibility requirements of the Ultim class rules and gives sailors the best possible view to keep a visual watch.

22.08.2006

Gitana 11 qualified !.

par Gitana

Like all the entrants in the 2006 Route du Rhum, Lionel Lemonchois, skipper of Gitana 11, had to complete a preliminary formality before being able to set sail on 29 October in the eighth edition of this major ocean event: a qualification course in race configuration… and also solo! And the Norman skipper at the helm of the blue trimaran swallowed up the 3,000 kilometres or so in some 5 days, during the course of which he encountered some varied and particularly demanding conditions that gave him a chance to test Gitana 11 and to rediscover the unique sensations of major ocean sailing.

“I set off in 30 knots of wind, two reefs per ORC… that gives you a bit of an idea right from the start! I was then lucky enough to experience highly varied conditions which allowed me to discover the boat in more or less all configurations. I strung it out with a week of solo training to update the list of small modifications before this week’s work. The recent confirmation of my involvement is, in the end, a very good thing… everything’s been happening very quickly and I haven’t had time to ask myself questions, as I’ve got a boat to prepare for the start, and that’s tomorrow! I’ve also speeded up the physical preparation, which is a really important aspect. The boats have to hold out, but so do the men!” offered Lionel Lemonchois on his arrival.

After a further week’s solo training, Gitana 11 was taken onto dry land yesterday, Monday 21 August, for a week’s repair work. Her return to the ocean is planned for Wednesday 30 August.

Meanwhile, Gitana 12 and Thierry Duprey du Vorsent, who are already qualified, have resumed training with a top-drawer coach in Loick Peyron, the Gitana Team’s sporting director. On the programme is 48 hours of faux-solo sailing, during which Thierry will have to forget the presence of Loick, who will only intervene if necessary. The main reason for his presence will be to pass on his knowledge and expertise to the young skipper, who will be contesting a solo event for the very first time.

Before the start of the Rhum, the two Gitanas will be taking part in the final meeting of the Cafe Ambassador Multi Cup, the Grand Prix du Port de Fécamp, from 8 to 10 September.

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